Back to school season is here; this time of year comes with lots of excitement and anticipation, but it can also be an anxious and stressful time for many families as they do their very best to set their young students up for success.
That is where the Backpack Program comes in. Coordinated by the United Way KFL&A with donations from individuals, community businesses and organizations, the program distributes backpacks and school supplies to ensure that families and children have all they need for another successful school year.
Generous donations have already been received from various businesses and donations of funds or supplies from community members who want to show their local love are welcome at:
United Way KFL&A office – 417 Bagot Street (back entrance)
Monday to Friday from 8:30am -4:30pm until August 13, 2021
We will continue to receive donations into early September and will start packing backpacks mid-August.
Those who wish to donate supplies and need to arrange a pickup can contact program@unitedwaykfla.ca or to make a financial contribution to the backpack program, please visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca/donate/ and indicate in the box that you’d like your funds directed to the Backpack Program.
Backpacks, lunch bags, pens, pencils, rulers, math sets, markers, crayons, scientific calculators, pencil cases – these supplies are always needed. If possible, gender neutral colours encouraged and labels indicating grade on dropped off supplies – this will make sorting and distribution easier. Thank you!
Organized by the United Way KFL&A, working closely with agencies, the Food Sharing Project, businesses, the program ensures that families with children have all they need for another successful school year.
Agency Partners
Addiction & Mental Health Services – KFL&A
Elizabeth Fry Society
Family & Children Services of Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington
Food Sharing Project
Home Base Housing – Lily’s Place Family Shelter, One Roof Youth Services, RISE@one4nine
Pathways to Education
KEYS Job Centre – Refugee Children and Youth Enhanced Integration Program
Kingston Interval House – Emergency Shelter and Robin’s Hope Transitional Housing
Kingston Youth Shelter – Shelter & Transitional Homes
Lionhearts
Maltby Centre
Partners In Mission Food Bank
Rural Frontenac Community Services
Salvation Army, Napanee
Southern Frontenac Community Services
Youth Diversion Program
Individuals looking for supplies are asked to register with one of the agencies above or contact their school principal or board office (Note: this only applies for Limestone District School Board and Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic District School Board students).
Corporate Sponsers
Freedom Mobile
Costco
“For kids who struggle in life, you want to do whatever little thing you can to help them. And it might be as easy as a backpack of school supplies. It might be as easy as a lunchbox. It allows students to associate a fresh start with the new school year.”
